observations

Question 1

what is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 1

a naturalistic observation is an observation on behaviour which occurs in a natural setting with no control over variables

Question 2

what are the advantages of naturalistic observations?

Answer 2

• good ecological validity
• allows research on sensitive topics

Question 3

what is a disadvantage of natural observations?

Answer 3

• no control over extraneous variables

Question 4

what is a controlled observation?

Answer 4

a controlled observation is an observation on behaviour in a specifically created setting with control over variables

Question 5

what is the advantages of controlled observations?

Answer 5

• control over variables which reduces bias which causes results to be more reliable

Question 6

what is the disadvantages of a controlled observation?

Answer 6

• lacks ecological validity which reduces generalisation

Question 7

what is a non-participant observation?

Answer 7

this is where the person remains at a distance from the people observed

Question 8

what is an advantage of non-participant observation?

Answer 8

easier to remain detached

Question 9

what is a disadvantage of non-participant observation?

Answer 9

difficult to understand reasons for behaviour

Question 10

what is a participant observation?

Answer 10

this is when the researcher joins the group they want to observe

Question 11

what is an advantage of participant observation?

Answer 11

better at understanding behaviour

Question 12

what is a disadvantage of participant observation?

Answer 12

observation may become less objective

Question 13

what is an overt observation?

Answer 13

this is when the researcher reveals their presence and obtain permission to observe

Question 14

what is an advantage of overt observation?

Answer 14

reduces ethical problems

Question 15

what is a disadvantage of overt observation?

Answer 15

those observed may act different

Question 16

what is a covert (disclosed) observation?

Answer 16

this is when the researcher doesn’t tell the participant they are being observed

Question 17

what is an advantage of covert (disclosed) observation?

Answer 17

behaviour observed may be natural

Question 18

what is a disadvantage of covert (disclosed) observation?

Answer 18

lack of consent given

Question 19

what does operationalisation mean?

Answer 19

categories must be defined clearly

Question 20

what does comprehensive mean?

Answer 20

there should be no categories missing

Question 21

what does separate mean?

Answer 21

categories should be separate and precise